Uplink Transmitter Beam Selection Under Conflicting Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) faces challenges in determining which instance of control information to use for selecting a transmitter beam for uplink transmissions when multiple instances are applicable, leading to ambiguity and potential miscommunication with the network.
Innovation Solution
The UE employs a mechanism to select a transmitter beam based on preconfigured options or network-configured options, using spatial relation information or TCI states from either MAC CE or PDCCH signals, ensuring consistent and accurate beam selection for uplink transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE receives multiple instances of control information for the same uplink transmission, then the UE has more beam options to choose from, but the UE faces ambiguity in determining which control information instance to use for beam selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing predetermined rules for beam selection before the ambiguity arises. The UE is pre-configured with spatial relation information and predefined selection criteria (such as selecting based on the earliest received control information or specific RRC configuration rules). When multiple control information instances are received, the UE automatically applies these pre-established rules to determine which instance to use, eliminating the need for real-time decision-making and resolving the ambiguity without additional network intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the UE uses preconfiguration based on spatial relation information for beam selection, then the beam selection process is simplified, but the flexibility to adapt to changing network conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a hierarchical beam selection mechanism where preconfiguration serves as the default static baseline, but network conditions can dynamically override this through MAC CE commands or RRC reconfiguration. The UE maintains preconfigured spatial relation information for stable operations, while allowing the network to update beam selections when channel conditions change. This dynamic layering enables the system to switch between static efficiency and dynamic adaptability based on operational needs.
3Measurement precision
If the network provides detailed control information for each beam instance, then the UE can make more informed beam selections, but the signaling overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by separating beam selection information into two distinct layers: essential selection criteria are embedded directly in the control information instances (such as timing indicators or beam IDs), while comprehensive spatial relation information is extracted and maintained separately in preconfigured parameters. This allows the UE to make accurate beam selections using only the essential embedded information, without needing to process complete spatial relation data for each control information instance, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The exemplary embodiments relate to determining which instance of control information is to be used for transmitter beam selection. A user equipment may receive a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) that includes first control information associated with transmitter beam selection, transmit an acknowledgement (ACK) to the network in response to receiving the MAC CE and receive a downlink signal over a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) that schedules an uplink transmission. The downlink signal is received prior to an expiration of a predetermined duration relative to transmitting the ACK and includes second control information associated with transmitter beam selection. The UE may also transmit an uplink signal based on the scheduled uplink transmission. The UE selects a transmitter beam for the uplink signal based on one of the first control information or the second control information.